California Mountains & National Parks
The California mountains and national parks stretch down the eastern side of the State. Offering stunning scenery with mountains, lakes, rivers and deserts, with an array of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, as well as snow shoeing in the winter.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is shared by both California and Nevada, yet entirely its own world. No matter when you visit, you can explore this alpine paradise, home to the largest alpine lake in North America and surrounded by adventure throughout the year. Crystal-clear waters, golden beaches, world-class dining, lively events and mountain scenery are all part of Lake Tahoe. Hike and cycle under summer skies, or simply soak up the serenity of the Sierra Nevada.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is located in the heart of California’s Sierra Nevada and steeped in natural grandeur with towering granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls to meadows and ancient forests. Majestic landscapes, abundant wildlife, outdoor adventure, and historic small towns are all part of Yosemite and Mariposa County. Try hiking and snowshoeing through winter wonderlands, climbing and exploring in the summer.
Tuolumne County
Tuolumne County offers iconic Yosemite adventures, authentic California Gold Country experiences, and unforgettable High Sierra outdoor activities. Just two and a half hours east of the San Francisco Bay Area, it is easily accessible year-round. Scenic landscapes stretch from rolling foothills to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where history comes alive from the Gold Rush of 1849. The county is home to Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite National Park, and countless outdoor opportunities such as hiking, rafting, horse riding, water sports and camping. Enjoy historic hotels, golf courses, diverse dining, wineries, cider tasting and museums. Try panning for gold, explore historic saloons, or take a ride on an authentic stagecoach or steam train.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks has huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees. Wander through towering sequoia groves, explore pristine wilderness, or observe abundant wildlife. Granite cliffs and domes provide exceptional climbing opportunities, while an elevation range of over 13,000 feet from the Sierra Nevada foothills to the high peaks creates diverse habitats for plants and animals. Recognised as International Biosphere Reserves, these parks play a vital role in conserving biodiversity and preserving some of California’s most spectacular landscapes.
Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes has outdoor adventures. In the summer, enjoy heart-pounding mountain bike rides, wilderness camping, or a leisurely hike. Hiking in the Eastern Sierra is spectacular year-round. In spring, craggy granite peaks provide a dramatic backdrop to meadows ablaze with wildflowers. With diverse terrain, stunning Sierra scenery, and the region’s famous California sunshine, Mammoth Lakes is perfect for mountain biking, road cycling, or simply exploring the great outdoors.
Death Valley
Death Valley is where extremes of climate and landscape create a striking and unforgettable environment. Towering snow-capped peaks, colourful Badlands, vast sand dunes, rugged canyons, and the lowest and hottest spots in North America all coexist in this extraordinary desert. More than 1,000 plant species, including ancient bristlecone pines and ephemeral wildflowers, and nearly 400 native wildlife species thrive in this harsh but resilient environment. Explore dramatic panoramas, experience extreme summer heat or mild winter weather, and discover reminders of frontier and Native American history. Recognised as an outdoor natural history museum, Death Valley National Park has geological eras, remarkable adaptations, and the ultimate diversity of the American desert, from Telescope Peak to Badwater Basin.
Holiday Ideas
Our Favourite Stays
Black Bear Lodge - Lake TahoeUnique StayFrom £160 per room per night
Surrounded by serene pine trees yet conveniently close to all the activities Lake Tahoe has to offer, the Black Bear Lodge is an ideal choice for visitors seeking a relaxing holiday.
The property offers a variety of lodge rooms, suites, and cabins.
Hotel Becket - Lake TahoeModerateFrom £90 per room per night
This boutique property places you in the heart of Heavenly Village, offering easy access to South Lake Tahoe and offers a private and relaxing mountain retreat. You are just steps away from the Heavenly Gondola, lakeshore, restaurants, bars, shopping, casinos, and the Tahoe Blue Events Center.
All rooms feature a coffee machine, fridge, and premium bedding, and you can also enjoy a hot breakfast daily at the friendly Becket Tavern. Seasonally, the hotel also offers bikes, beach chairs & towels, and ski storage, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay year-round.
Yosemite Valley Lodge ModerateFrom £216 per room per night
This hotel is adjacent to the Yosemite Falls in the Yosemite Valley area of the park. The Yosemite Valley Lodge also features a food court, restaurant, bar and outdoor swimming pool.
The hotel offers 245 rooms with private bathrooms, TV and telephone. There is also a tour desk where you can plan park activities including rafting, hiking, climbing and biking. During peak season there are also specialist ranger/naturalist presentations every evening. Breakfast is included in the rate. Children under 13 years stay free in the room when sharing existing bedding.
The Redwoods in YosemiteSelf-CateringFrom £161 per room per night
Located four miles from the South Entrance of Yosemite National Park, off Highway 41, these homes are situated in the Wawona area. The Redwoods Homes are ideally located for enjoying all that this renowned National Park has to offer. The Redwoods Silver and Gold Homes offer a wide range of sizes from 1 to 6 bedrooms.
Silver Homes are well maintained with up to date furnishings, but may not be as such high quality as the Gold Homes. Gold Homes are well coordinated and attracting, featuring new, or almost new upgraded quality furnishings. All homes feature BBQ, well equipped kitchen including microwave, coffee maker and dishwasher, WiFi, TV, free local calls and most homes also have satellite and DVD player.
Tenaya Lodge - Yosemite National ParkFirst ClassFrom £215 per room per night
Bordering Yosemite National Park, the Tenaya Lodge is the only full service resort within the High Sierra Mountain Range. It is situated two miles from the south entrance of Yosemite and surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.
The hotel boasts 244 well equipped rooms with coffee maker, iron and ironing board, hair dryer and safe. The lodge has a restaurant and bar, fitness centre, spa, indoor and outdoor pool and jacuzzi.
Wuksachi Lodge -Sequoia National ParkModerateFrom £109 per room per night
At an elevation of 7200 feet, this lodge has spectacular views of the mountain peaks and Sequoia forest. These giant trees surround the lodge and the park’s main attractions, such as the General Sherman Tree and Moro rock are easily accessible from there.
The Wuksachi Lodge offers 102 rooms with modern amenities, including TV, telephone, coffee maker and mini-refrigerator. There is also a restaurant, bar and gift shop. Children under 13 years stay free in the room when sharing existing bedding.
Mammoth Mountain InnModerateFrom £150 per room per night
This slopeside hotel offers stunning mountain views in the Mammoth area. The Mammoth Mountain Inn also features a full-service restaurant, bar, and coffee shop.
The hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. There is also a tour desk where you can plan seasonal activities including hiking, sightseeing, and adventure sports. During summer, there are nearby natural attractions such as Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls.
Outbound Mammoth ModerateFrom £300 per room per night
This all-season Mammoth Lakes hotel is your home base for exploring Mammoth and connecting with the local community. The hotel features on-site eateries, food trucks and resort-style amenities including a free video arcade, steam room and lobby wine bar.
Share stories with friends old and new around the communal fire pits spread throughout the property. Enjoy a drink or toast a s’more under the stars, as the fire pits are open year-round. The hotel also includes a fitness centre equipped with a Peloton bike, treadmill and weights, along with a steam room and dry sauna for post-adventure relaxation.
The Ranch at Death ValleyModerateFrom £155 per room per night
The Ranch at Death Valley is located in an oasis in the centre of the Death Valley National Park. The hotel features a spring-fed swimming pool, a golf course, as well as tennis, basketball and volleyball courts.
The hotel has 224 rooms, restaurants, a coffee shop and a saloon. For your stay, you can choose between standard rooms, deluxe rooms, cabins or staying within the campgrounds. The resort also offer horse rides, carriage tours and Jeep rentals. Children under 17 years stay free in the room when using existing bedding.